Ubuntu Mobile OS: A Promising New Smartphone Platform

It has just been revealed today that Canonical, the company that is behind the Linux Based Ubuntu OS has released its version of the OS for Smartphones and it is definitely looking really sweet. Though eventually it will be offering it's systems for TV and PCs as well but for now their main priority is to compete with the front running Smartphone providers such as Google Android, IOS, Windows and Blackberry. The Ubuntu system promises a better UI(User Interface) experience for its users. 

"We expect Ubuntu to be popular in the enterprise market, enabling customers to provision a single secure device for all PC, thin client and phone functions. Ubuntu is already the most widely used Linux enterprise desktop, with customers in a wide range of sectors focused on security, cost and manageability," said Jane Silber, CEO of Canonical. "We also see an opportunity in basic smartphones that are used for the phone, SMS, web and email, where Ubuntu outperforms thanks to its native core apps and stylish presentation."

Ubuntu has gotten the backings of both ARM and x86 processors which makes it an extremely viable contender for today's Android powered smartphones.

The Ubuntu Smartphone OS constitutes similar drivers kernel seen on Android. Canonical's chief Mark Shuttleworth showcased a Galaxy Nexus running the mobile version of Ubuntu featuring a swipe-based Menu. Other known features are voice command, a dedicated app store and personalised welcome screen.

The OS will have both web-based as well as native apps. Ubuntu is considered by many to be the best Linux distro out there, and it does enjoy a lot of developer/ community support. It is the latest in a series of smartphone operating systems from companies and associations not known for their smartphone lineup. This includes Open webOS, FirefoxOS, Jolla's Sailfish OS and Samsung-owned Tizen. 

While it’s a plus to have additional options in the smartphone marketplace, we have to wonder if there is enough room to support another mobile operating system. In the current mobile space, it appears to be a battle for third place between BlackBerry 10, Windows Phone 8 and now Ubuntu.

We have to note that native Ubuntu for smartphones is an entirely different platform and ecosystem than Ubuntu for Android.